Treatment for Fluid in the Ears

Metro Atlanta Ear Nose & Throat Doctors

Excess fluid in the ears is typically caused by one of three types of ear conditions: Otitis Media, Otitis Externa, or Ménière’s Disease. Each of these conditions affect different areas of the ear.

Signs of excess fluid in the ears include:

• A feeling of “fullness” from excess fluid in ears.
• Ruptured eardrum and fluid drainage.
• Pressure within ears as fluid builds up.
• Hearing loss.
• Dizziness and equilibrium disruption.

If excess fluid in the ears is the suspected cause of an ear infection, it’s important to speak with a medical professional immediately. The board-certified specialists at the Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia in Metro Atlanta are highly trained to treat ear infections caused by fluid buildup.

Causes of Excess Fluid in the Ears

• Acute Otitis Externa, or Swimmer’s Ear: This is the most common type of outer ear infection and occurs when excess moisture becomes trapped within the ear canal. This excess moisture causes bacteria on the skin within the outer ear canal to multiply. Often, the ear canal will become swollen and sore, while the outer ear will be itchy, red, and painful.
• Acute Otitis Media: This is the most common type of middle ear infection and occurs as a result of excess mucus blocking the Eustachian tubes and preventing the drainage of excess fluid. The excess fluid in the ear becomes infected with viruses and bacteria that enter through a vacuum created between the middle ear and the nose and mouth. Otitis media typically occurs after the development of a sinus or throat infection, cold, or an allergy attack.
• Otitis Media with Effusion: This occurs when excess fluid in the ear builds up behind the eardrum, and causes pressure to the ear drum. Hearing loss may occur because sound waves are prevented from vibrating the inner ear bones. While infection does not always occur with this type of fluid buildup, this may result in a ruptured eardrum.
• Ménière’s Disease: This causes an excess of endolymph fluid in the inner ear. There is little known about the causes of this disease, but symptoms may include vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Specialized Treatment for Fluid in the Ears in Metro Atlanta

At the Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia, our board-certified specialists diagnose and treat conditions that cause excess fluid in the ears. Treatment may be as simple as antibiotic medication via ear drops or oral tablets, which are often used to treat swimmer’s ear or acute otitis media or as complex as surgery.

Contact the Board-Certified Doctors of the Center for Allergy & Asthma

Call (770) 459-0620 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment with one of the board-certified specialist at the Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia. Our offices are conveniently located throughout Metro Atlanta, including Carrollton, Villa Rica, Newnan, Smyrna/Vinings, Peachtree City/Fayetteville, Acworth/Kennesaw, and Douglasville.